Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest 2025: A Premier Ice Climbing Celebration
Event Overview
- Dates: January 31 - February 2, 2025
- Location: Mount Washington Valley, New Hampshire
- Organizer: International Mountain Climbing School
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest website.
About the Festival
Started by Rick Wilcox and Nick Yardley in 1993, the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest has grown to become one of the premier climbing events on the East Coast and one of the longest-running ice climbing festivals in the country. The founders were inspired by other events featuring ice climbing clinics, slideshows, and a fun community atmosphere.
Why Mount Washington Valley?
The Mount Washington Valley is renowned as one of the finest waterfall ice climbing destinations in North America. It offers some of the world's most concentrated and accessible ice climbing locations, making it the perfect setting for such a festival.
What to Expect
Ice Fest offers a wide range of activities and opportunities for climbers of all levels:
- Skills Clinics: Various clinics catering to different skill levels and interests.
- Gear Demos: Try out the latest ice climbing gear from top manufacturers.
- Workshops: Learn new techniques and skills from experienced climbers.
- Evening Events: Enjoy slideshows and presentations from world-class athletes.
- Networking: Meet and socialize with fellow climbers from across the U.S. and Canada.
Clinic Details
While specific details for the 2025 event are not yet available, based on previous years:
- Meeting Point: Most clinics usually meet at 8:00 AM at Ledge Brewing Company, 15 Town Hall Rd, Intervale, NH.
- Duration: Typically full-day events.
- Ratio: Average 4:1 client to guide ratio.
- Cost: Regular clinics are $215 per day, with discounts for booking multiple clinics.
- Equipment: Some gear can be demoed, but availability isn't guaranteed. Come prepared!
For more information on clinics, visit the Clinics page on the official website.
Types of Clinics Often Offered:
- Ice Climbing 101
- Ice Climbing for Rock Climbers
- Intro to Steep Ice
- Steep Ice
- Thin Ice
- Mixed Climbing
- One Day Ascent of Mount Washington
Why Attend Ice Fest?
- Learn from some of the best in the industry
- Meet potential climbing partners
- Courses for all ability levels
- Inspiring videos and shows
- Sample local craft beer from Ledge Brewing Co.
- Free gear demos from sponsors
- Delicious food available at all events
- Action-packed and fun atmosphere
Health and Safety
The organizers take safety seriously, both on and off the cliff. They reserve the right to adjust health and safety protocols based on local, state, and federal guidelines. For the most current health and safety information, check the About page on the official website.
Registration and Policies
While specific details for the 2025 event are not yet available, based on previous years:
- All Ice Fest courses typically must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
- A minimum of 3 participants is required for each course.
- There may be discounts for booking multiple clinics.
For the most up-to-date information on registration and policies, visit the Registration & Policies page when it becomes available for the 2025 event.
Broader Impact
The Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest is part of a broader celebration of winter sports in the region. It's one of several ice climbing festivals held across North America, as listed on the Furnace Industries Ice Climbing Festivals page.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest promises to be another exciting celebration of ice climbing and winter mountaineering. Whether you're a seasoned ice climber or a curious beginner, this festival offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of New Hampshire's winter wonderland.
For the most up-to-date information and to register for clinics when available, visit the official Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest website. Keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages for announcements about featured athletes, specific clinic offerings, and evening events as the date approaches.
Don't miss out on this thrilling opportunity to improve your ice climbing skills, test new gear, meet like-minded adventurers, and experience the beauty of winter climbing in one of North America's premier ice climbing destinations. Save the date for January 31 - February 2, 2025, and get ready for an ice-cold adventure!
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Conway Area Guide: Dining, Lodging, and Brews
Restaurants
The Conway area offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy every palate. Explore more at the Conway Town Guide Restaurants page.
- Delaney's Hole in the Wall
- Moat Mountain Smokehouse Brewery
- Horsefeathers Restaurant
- Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub
- Jalisco Mexican Restaurant
- Black Cap Grille
- Sea Dog Brewing Co.
- Abenaki Trail Restaurant & Pub
- Banners Restaurant
- Chef's Bistro
Coffee Shops
For your caffeine fix and morning pastries, check out these local coffee shops. Find more options on the Conway Town Guide Coffee Shops page.
- Frontside Coffee Roasters
- The Metropolitan Coffeehouse
- The Met at Settler's Green
- Aroma Joe's Coffee
- The Local Grocer
- Underground Bakery & Cafe
- Riverstones Bakery
- J-Town Deli & Country Store
- Autumn Nomad
- Fair Grounds Coffee
Hotels
Find comfortable accommodations for your stay in the Conway area. Explore more options on the Conway Town Guide Hotels page.
- Hampton Inn & Suites North Conway
- Residence Inn by Marriott North Conway
- Red Jacket Mountain View Resort
- The White Mountain Hotel & Resort
- Adventure Suites
Breweries
Explore the local craft beer scene at these breweries. Find more information on the Conway Town Guide Breweries page.
- Tuckerman Brewing Company
- Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co.
- Sea Dog Brewing Company
- Ledge Brewing Company
- Saco River Brewing (opening in North Conway Village)